4th Annual Catholic Charismatic

Revival Under The Stars

Jesus said, “Come to Me”

We did---and we were blessed.

We came to Mt Manresa, on Sunday, August 22, 2004 for the Picnic and 4^th Annual Revival Under the Stars. Jesus smiled in the fabulous weather, and warm fellowship of the lovely picnic.  Fr Michael Allen, president of the Staten Island Council of Churches joined us for our feast.  Connie Dini, Linda Morano and Mary Heaney shopped and prepared tasty salads and other goodies, which were grilled to perfection by Chef Aldo Dini, assisted by Bob Cosgrove. A special thanks to Mt.Manresa for allowing us to use the grounds and for all of their help and assistance.

Revival started at 5:00PM with the procession of the banners from the Conference and attending Prayer Groups. Msgr James Dorney, Vicar of Staten Island, squeezed us into his busy schedule to greet us and speak of the feast of the Queenship of Mary, which is August 22. The Lamb of God Music Ministry combined with the rousing praise of Moylin, Elaine and Sundra, leaders of Holy Cross Prayer Group, ignited the blaze, which burned brightly all evening.

Come to Me--Our speaker, Josephine Cachia, reminded us that the lively music and enthusiastic preaching were way secondary to Jesus in the Eucharistic, and the best wrapping for our gifts is humility.

Come to Me---The fire was stoked by the stirring music of Holy Cross Music Ministry, and the moving reports on missionary revival by Jeanette Chennai

Fr Ian Taylor from Trinidad, and then it roared as Fr Ian exacted wondrous praise from us before he and Fr John King processed in with the Blessed Sacrament.  The Monstrance was set in the place of honor, to receive the prayer and reverence of the members of the congregation who came forward individually.  What a powerful moment to stand in front of Jesus---enflamed by such high praise & worship.

Betty Plancon, Chairperson of the conference, acknowledged her service team and all prayer group leaders, and proclaimed the commencement of The Silver Jubilee of the Conference.  A dinner dance is planned for the spring, and a cruise for the summer, as well as our annual Communion breakfast and Unity Night Mass.

We reached the crescendo with Amazing Grace in song and in our hearts, as the evening ebbed in the gentle glow of the glow sticks---but the flame will burn brightly until we meet again.

Suzanne Zisblatt—Publicity Manager (OLSS Prayer Group)